Today, Hannah Kaufman reports on Fairfield looking to settle a fire department funding discrepancy with Benton. We also have stories on the backlash caused by a Farmington middle school principal’s ICE costume, and on the alleged ringleader in a pot operation obtaining a firearm and making threats against law enforcement.
And check out our live updates today as Mainers head to the polls to vote on state referendums and local races.
FIRE FUNDING DISCREPANCY
Fairfield officials are pushing to correct a funding discrepancy with Benton that they say has left them paying more than their share toward a joint fire budget. The two towns operate a joint fire and rescue department that covers emergency calls for both Fairfield and Benton residents. Benton would owe Fairfield $164,565 in underpaid fire department funds, according to a proposal discussed last Wednesday. Read more.
PRINCIPAL’S ICE COSTUME
A photo showing Mount Blue Middle School Principal James Black in an ICE officer-inspired Halloween costume was shared online Friday, shocking people in Franklin County and beyond. The now-viral photo shows Black donning what appears to be a tactical vest with a patch reading “POLICE ICE,” a hat with the word “ICE” and an American flag on the side, a stars-and-stripes gaiter and zip ties on his hip. Read more.
Alleged ringleader in illicit Farmington pot operation obtained firearm, made threats, officials say
Prosecutors say Lucas Sirois, 45, of Rangeley, who is set to go to trial next week, violated his bail conditions.
“Since the project that was previously submitted by the Town of Wiscasset has changed significantly in scope, the Commissioners have made the difficult decision to withdraw their funding approval for the Old Ferry Road project completely. The Commissioners wish you the best of luck as you explore development options on this parcel.”
Lincoln County Administrator Carrie Kipfer in a letter to the Wiscasset Selectboard..
Lincoln County commissioners have terminated $240,000 in pandemic relief funding meant to help Wiscasset plan affordable housing near the site of a former nuclear power plant. Read more from utilities reporter Daniel Kool: Wiscasset loses ARPA funding after data center proposal, confusion
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